A preliminary analysis of wind data from Bhutan

Abstract

This study aims to assess the wind resource of Bhutan using new wind data collected from 20 m high stations spread across the country. It attempts to compare with the results of a study conducted by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) USA in 2008. The data used by NREL were mostly upper air data and some surface data taken at just 5 m above the ground. Wind resource assessment is crucial because at present hydropower is the one and only source of electricity in Bhutan. Wind energy will add energy diversity and will enhance energy security.This study also provides an overview of the collected wind data, the average speed profile, wind direction, power prediction and general recommendations for more accurate data collection at five different locations in Bhutan. The analysis is performed to check the consistency of the collected data and the missing parameters using simulation tool “Windographer”. This analysis doesn’t reveal any prediction of generic wind power as the duration of collected data is just one year with many missing data; impending sensible conclusion is too premature. Incomplete data, lack of experiences and expertise are some of the limitations. Further detail analysis is essential to accurately determine the power prediction and wind turbine sitings across the country addressing the economics of wind power generation in view of the rugged mountainous terrain, the difficulty of transportation, mounting of crane and hoist and other accessories. It is also required to conduct detail local community consultation to identify suitable locations for installing wind data measuring instruments.